Ballari Police get new IGP, SP after New Year’s clash that killed Congress worker
Ballari: Ballari has witnessed a major reshuffle in its police leadership following the New Year’s Day clash in Avvambavi village that led to the death of Congress worker Rajashekhar.
Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Varthika Katiyar has been transferred, and 2004-batch IPS officer P S Harsha has been appointed as the new Inspector General of Police. At the district level, Suman Pannekar, a 2013-batch IPS officer who was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence), has been named the new Superintendent of Police. Pavan Nejjur, who had taken charge as SP on December 31, was suspended in the aftermath of the violence. Chitradurga SP Ranjith Bandaru had been overseeing arrangements in the interim.
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Soon after assuming charge on Wednesday, IGP Harsha visited Avvambavi, where the clash took place, and inspected the site, Deccan Herald reported. He held discussions with officials on the ground, sought details of the incident and issued preliminary directions. The newly appointed SP is expected to formally take charge on Thursday.
Addressing the media, Harsha said he had received clear instructions to act without bias. He said information related to recent incidents in Ballari would be collected, investigations would be carried out, and appropriate action would follow. He added that the clash would be examined in detail and further discussions would be held with officers once the new SP assumed charge.
The developments come amid an escalating political row over the incident. Ballari MLA Janardhana Reddy released a video claiming that a private bodyguard fired at Rajashekhar during the clash on January 1. In response, videos were released from the office of MLA Bharat Reddy, including footage that purportedly shows a person standing atop Janardhana Reddy’s house at the time of the incident.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
